Town planning staff continued the zoning‑ordinance rewrite work session on Nov. 6, reviewing draft language for telecommunications facilities, tree‑canopy/tree‑preservation standards, miscellaneous use rules, and a new Crescent District zoning framework intended to implement the Crescent District master plan.

Telecommunications: staff and the deputy town attorney presented a draft telecom section that distinguishes facility types (small cell, rooftop, pole‑mounted, monopole/tower) and sets differing levels of review by height and type. The draft encourages undergrounding, co‑location and visual minimization, and includes setback, screening, fencing and lighting guidance. The deputy town attorney reminded commissioners that state and federal law and case law limit municipal regulatory authority in several areas; commissioners asked staff to remove or clarify language that is unenforceable or vague (for example, phrasing such as “to the extent possible” and provisions that require shielding of FAA‑required lighting that may be technically infeasible). Staff agreed to refine that wording and to coordinate with legal counsel on enforceability.

Tree canopy and preservation: staff said the draft embraces the stricter, more prescriptive section of state enabling legislation that provides stronger tools for canopy preservation but requires technical standards. To implement these technical standards staff will rely on the DCSM (Design & Construction Standards Manual) for species lists, planting specifications, tree‑canopy calculations and the mechanics of tree credit and fund accounting. Commissioners requested clearer appendices or hot links in the draft ordinance to the technical DCSM provisions, a maintained list of qualifying species, and a transparent method for updating nursery‑stock price assumptions used for mitigation or fee‑in‑lieu calculations.

Miscellaneous use standards: the draft consolidates special requirements for use types the commission previously identified as placeholders—parking structures, community service uses, educational facilities, medical facilities and outdoor entertainment. Examples: parking structures should provide long‑term bicycle parking and a nearby bus shelter or transit connection where feasible; educational and recreational facilities must provide screening for parking, loading and activity areas when adjacent to residences; outdoor entertainment venues have enhanced buffer expectations and limited hours (no later than 11 p.m.). Commissioners asked staff to clarify language around commercial vehicle parking and oversized vehicle storage in structures.

Crescent District: staff presented a substantial draft of the Crescent District zoning, mapped to the master plan’s place types. The draft divides the district into six subdistricts—Activity Center (requires a minimum 15‑acre rezoning threshold for full activity‑center standards), Planned Activity Center (an interim designation to allow limited changes while preserving capacity for future consolidated redevelopment), Commercial Corridor, Residential Neighborhood, Open Space/Park and Government Center (Douglas Community School). The Crescent District draft includes form‑based elements and architectural controls (primary/secondary/tertiary facades, base/middle/cap massing), streetscape and frontage/“frontage‑zone” rules for building orientation, minimum public‑realm open space (example: a required 0.5‑acre signature plaza for activity‑center rezones), and limits on where residential development may be inserted in the Commercial Corridor (upper floors only, capped at a modest percentage). Staff said the draft is intended to preserve the character adjacent to the historic core while providing predictable standards for redevelopment.

Next steps: staff will return with refined telecom wording and DCSM-linked technical appendices for tree preservation standards, and continue Crescent District discussion at future meetings. A public comment summary report prepared by the project consultant is available in the packet and will be used to inform further revisions.